The Garifuna people, descendants of the indigenous Arawak and Carib tribes, and enslaved Africans who were shipwrecked on the island of St. Vincent in the 17th century, have developed a culture that has persisted in the Caribbean.

Garifuna musicians at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C., in 2013.
Garifuna musicians at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C., in 2013. Elvert Barnes · CC BY-SA 2.0. Resized for display.

Deities

Garifuna religion centres on ancestor spirits. The gubida are the spirits of ancestors who watch over their descendants, and the hiyuruha are spirits who work with the buyei (spiritual specialists) to find the causes of illness and prescribe remedies.

Other Beliefs

The Garifuna people's belief system is characterized by its syncretism, blending indigenous Caribbean, African, and Catholic elements to create a distinctive spiritual framework. Garifuna culture includes ancestral reverence and communication with the deceased. The Garifuna people believe that their ancestors continue to play an active role in their lives, offering guidance, protection, and wisdom from the spirit world.

Dügü, a central Garifuna ritual, exemplifies this belief in ancestral communion. This ceremony, conducted by a spiritual leader known as a buyei, serves to appease and communicate with the spirits of deceased family members. The dügü is a complex, multi-day event, featuring music, dancing, feasting, and offerings to the spirits. Participants believe that through these rituals, they can restore harmony within the family, heal ailments, and receive blessings from their ancestors.

Heroes and Mythological Figures

Garifuna mythology is also home to a diverse array of heroes and mythological creatures that populate the many stories and legends passed down through generations. These figures often serve as symbols of cultural values, embodying traits such as courage, wisdom, and perseverance.

  • Chatoyer: A historical figure and Garifuna chief who resisted British colonization in the 18th century, Chatoyer is celebrated as a national hero in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. His bravery and dedication to preserving Garifuna culture have elevated him to the status of a mythic figure, embodying the Garifuna spirit of resistance and determination.